Everett-Vehrs Conservation and Research Foundation

Leadership
Headquarters Dr. John T. Everett - CEO and President and Chair, Board of Directors Ms. Kristin L. Vehrs - President, Director of Conservation Programs and Member, Board of Directors Col. George J. Vehrs USAF (Ret.) - Senior Advisor and Member, Board of Directors Eric Newton- Director of Science Programs

Dr. John T. Everett - CEO and Chair, Board of Directors Dr. Everett founded EVCARF in 2020 after his 31 year career at NOAA and 22 years as Founder and President of Ocean Associates, Inc. He founded EVCARF with a strategic goal to provide outstanding conservation and research results and information to the scientific and regulatory bodies and to concerned citizens. He is passionate about attracting, developing and inspiring diverse talent. In addition to his desire for maintaining relationships with the teams he has led or worked with over decades in the governement and private arenas, Dr. Everett is committed to growing and adapting with the changing needs of our conservation community, both domestically and internationally. Earlier in his career he was a commercial fisherman, Chapter Chair for several subjects for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC: Polar Regions, Oceans, Coastal Zones, and Fisheries), established and managed the UN Atlas of the Oceans in Rome, and was an Apollo Program launch vehicle (Saturn) and then space craft (Lunar Module) systems engineer. Dr. Everett holds a Doctorate and Masters from Florida State University focused on quantitative systems analysis, administration of federal natural resource agencies, and natural resources research and management. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. His "systems" education and experiences have led to different insights about how things work. Several EVCARF projects will test his hypotheses in the real world, potentially benefiting many parts of our society. Short Bio. Full Résumé.	Dr. John T. Everett - CEO
Kristin L. Vehrs - President, Director of Conservation Programs and Member, Board of Directors Kristin is Director of Conservation Programs and a Member of the Board. She retired in 2020 from her position as the Executive Director of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which accredits and represents over 200 zoological institutions in the US and a dozen countries. For over 40 years, Kris has played a key role in the growth and modernization of the zoological profession and AZA, including accreditation, professional development, animal management program, and ethics and bylaws. She helped shape the complex laws and regulations that impact zoos and aquariums in the USA. Kris represented AZA before the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, Congress, Federal agencies, and state and local governments. Kris served as AZA Director of Government Affairs from 1979 until 2000, as Deputy Director from 2000 until 2005 and then as Executive Director from 2005 to January 2020. Kris has been a trusted advisor to zoo and aquarium professionals around the globe. She was a long-serving Board member of Species 360 (Global Information Serving Conservation), and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In addition she has provided counsel and presented to the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Mexican Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the South Asia Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation, among others. Kris has received the Zoological Society of London’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Zoo Community; AZA’s highest recognition, the Marlin R. Perkins Award for Professional Excellence; and WAZA’s Heini Hediger Award - its highest professional recognition. Before joining AZA as a full-time employee, Kris owned and managed KLV Associates, representing and consulting for the National Shrimp Congress, Texas Shrimp Association, and the Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums. She maintains her friendships and advisory roles to the US and global conservation community. Kris has her bachelor degree from the University of Northern Colorado and her law degree from George Mason University.	Kristin L. Vehrs - President
Col. George J. Vehrs USAF (Ret.) - Senior Advisor and Member, Board of Directors George Vehrs is Senior Advisor and a board member of the Everett-Vehrs Conservation and Research Foundation. Col. Vehrs (USAF ret.) is widely recognized for his skills as an experienced manager for the US Air Force and Boeing. Among his leadership roles have been: Commander Zweibrücken Air Base; Base Commander Lindsey Air Station and Commander Tinker Air Force Base. For the Boeing Company, he was Finance Manager for Minuteman and E-6 Programs and Business Manager for AWACS programs.	Pres. Reagan with Col. George J. Vehrs - Senior Advisor and Member, Board of Directors
Eric Newton - Director of Science Programs Eric serves as EVCARF's Director of Science Programs, bringing a strong background in field and laboratory research science and environmental policy to the managerial team at the Foundation. He is responsible for developing and managing environmental, ecological, and social science projects. This includes directing research staff for projects and papers in preparation for submission to peer reviewed journals. In addition, he brings his scientific expertise to strategic planning, procurement work and other business development needs to achieve interdisciplinary solutions. He is passionate about integrating best scientific practices into the business sector to ensure a sustainable future for us and our partners and supporters. Eric will receive his M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy in mid 2025	Eric Newton - Director of Science Programs

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